Marvin Vangilder: Blunt acknowledges significance of historical site

Friday

Mar 28, 2008 at 12:01 AMMar 28, 2008 at 5:13 AM

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt is fully aware of the importance of the Battle of Carthage as a unique factor in the heritage of the American Civil War and thereby knows of the significance of the Battle of Carthage State Park.

Marvin Vangilder

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt is fully aware of the importance of the Battle of Carthage as a unique factor in the heritage of the American Civil War and thereby knows of the significance of the Battle of Carthage State Park.

In our recent visit at the park site, the governor indicated he is much aware of what the site means to the economy of Carthage and to its neighboring towns and cities. The site helps stimulate tourism with the considerable numbers of Civil War buffs from around the nation leading the way for visitors.

They come here to enjoy the many unique qualities of the atmosphere and the legendary potency of this special center of Missouri.

Known as a history buff himself, the governor asked powerful and potent questions as he looked over the field. The words of his questions were so phrased that they exhibited his unusually complete knowledge of what happened here in 1861.

I pointed out that the signage and promotion materials that refer to the special tract of land here as Battle of Carthage Historic Site are erroneous. The property was contributed to the state by the city of Carthage and formally set aside by unanimous action of both houses of the Missouri General Assembly precisely as “Battle of Carthage State Park.”

A look at the archival records of the General Assembly will reveal those exist words. The document bears the signature of then-Gov. John Ashcroft. Among those present for the bill signing at the governor’s desk were this writer and fellow historian Steve Cottrell.

The governor immediately understood the significance of the "State Park" designation and indicated he will give some attention to means of possibly correcting the identification error.

It was good to have the opportunity to visit personally with a state official who has detailed knowledge of what and why Carthage is and how important it is in the total life of the state.

In fact, I personally believe that our community would rise to a greater level of prosperity if every one of our citizens would trouble to attain a similar level of understanding and appreciation for our unique community heritage and eagerly share that appreciation with all visitors.

The battleground is one of many special treasures that sets Carthage apart as unique, special and forever memorable, all of which are the basic ingredients of potential success for the local tourism industry.

As that industry grows stronger and more successful so will every individual among us.

Also, I hope Governor Blunt’s Capital for a Day program will become standard operating procedure for the state level officials of Missouri from this time forward. It brings the government to the people who possess it and who always should be personally acquainted with its personnel, its policies and the quality of its personnel.